More than 20 expatriate workers have been taken into custody by Maldives Immigration after resisting attempts to deport them following a protest over unpaid wages.
The workers were employed at a resort development project in Kaafu Bolidhuffaru lagoon. Police said more than 100 workers took part in the demonstration. Twenty-two were taken to the airport for repatriation; one departed while the remaining 21 refused to leave and were handed over to Immigration.
Immigration confirmed the transfer and said action would be taken under established procedures for disobeying lawful orders. Transparency Maldives has expressed concern, stating that workers should not face detention for exercising the right to protest over wages and conditions.
No further details on the outcome of the wage dispute or the workers' current status have been released by authorities.
